Advanced Rural Sociology
- Agricultural Sciences
- 500 level
- 2 credit units
- 100 pages
- 14 units
This course on Advanced Rural Sociology explores the cultural and social factors affecting rural populations. It examines social theories, social change, group dynamics, and the problems facing rural societies. The course differentiates between social conditions and personal problems, providing insights into sociological paradigms. It emphasizes the importance of understanding rural social structures and the impact of change agents. The course aims to equip learners with the knowledge to address practical problems in rural communities.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 40 hours
- Maths
- Basic
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor Marked Assessments
- Final Examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of ARD506, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
- UNIT 1 CONCEPT AND STAGES OF GROUP DEVELOPMENTPage 50
- UNIT 2: TYPES OF GROUP AND GROUP STRUCTUREPage 56
- UNIT 3 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN RURAL AND URBAN SETTLEMENTPage 62
- UNIT 4: CHARACTERISTICS OF RURAL AND URBAN SETTLEMENTSPage 67
- UNIT 5: RURAL POVERTYPage 75
- UNIT 6: SPECIAL TOPICS IN RURAL SOCIOLOGY AND SELECTED CASE STUDIESPage 86
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
ARD506 · UNIT 1: GENERAL SOCIOLOGY THOERIES
Sociology theories are a relatively systematic, abstract, and a general reflection on how social world works. They are mainly concerned and focused with the problems of social changes and social order in the society.
What you should be able to do
- Understand the core concepts and theories of rural sociology.
- Analyze the social structure of rural communities.
- Evaluate the factors driving and resisting social change in rural areas.
- Assess the impact of urbanization and globalization on rural societies.
- Identify and propose solutions to the problems of rural poverty.
- Apply sociological principles to address real-world challenges in rural development.
What it prepares you for
- Rural Development Officer
- Social Worker
- Community Development Coordinator
- Agricultural Extension Agent
- Sociologist
- Government Agencies
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
- Community Development Projects
- Agricultural Sector
- Social Services
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: Social Change
Unit 4: Measurement of Social Change
Measurement of social change requires understanding of statistical indicators and data collection methods, which can be challenging without a background in quantitative research.
- Module 3: Social Change II
Unit 2: Resistance Forces to Change
Understanding the interplay of cost, fear, vested interests, and cultural norms in resisting change requires critical analysis and nuanced understanding of social dynamics.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 39 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: General Sociology
Unit 1: General Sociology Theories I · 3 hours
Read Unit 1: Meaning and Aims of General Sociology, Concept and importance of Rural Sociology, Sociology Theories. Understand the meaning and branches of sociology.. Enumerate the objectives of sociology.. Explain the theories in sociology.. Understand the basic concept of rural sociology..
- Week 2Module 1: General Sociology
Unit 2: Analysis of Social Structure of Rural Agrarian Society · 3 hours
Read Unit 2: Concept of social structure, Factors causing the division of people into groups and societies, Systems of succession and inheritance. State what the term "social structure" is.. Enumerate the factors that can cause the division of people into different societies and groups.. Discuss the systems of inheritance and succession in society..
- Week 3Module 2: Social Change
Unit 1: Selected Theories of Social Change I · 3 hours
Read Unit 1: The Behaviourists Theory, The Psychodynamics Theory. Explain what is meant by "social change".. Differentiate between Behaviourists theory and Psychodynamics theory..
- Week 4Module 2: Social Change
Unit 2: Selected Theories of Social Change II · 3 hours
Read Unit 2: The Diffusionist Theory, The Conflicts Theory. Define and describe social change.. Differentiate between Diffusionist theory and Conflict theory of social change..
- Week 5Module 2: Social Change
Unit 3: Social and Attitude Change · 3 hours
Read Unit 3: Concept of social change, Types of social change, Sources of social change, Concept of attitude and attitude change. Understand by the term "social change".. Discuss the various types of social change in the society.. Explain the sources of social change.. Differentiate between attitude and attribute change..
- Week 6Module 2: Social Change
Unit 4: Measurement of Social Change · 3 hours
Read Unit 4: Characteristics of the change process, Measurement of social change, Data collection for measurement of social change. State the characteristics of change process in a social system.. List the various indicators which are used in measuring social change.. Discuss the different methods that are used in collecting data for measuring social change..
- Week 7Module 3: Social Change II
Unit 1: Conductive Forces to Change in Rural Societies · 3 hours
Read Unit 1: Conducive Social Change, Dimensions to social change, Factors that are Conducive to Change. State and discuss the various factors conducive to social change.. Explain the different dimensions to social change..
- Week 8Module 3: Social Change II
Unit 2: Resistance Forces to Change in Rural Societies · 3 hours
Read Unit 2: Cost, Fear of Disruption, Suspicion and Anxiety, Vested interest, Cultural Resistance, Degree of Complexity, Compatibility. List the forces that may make people resist social changes in rural areas.. Explain why the listed forces in (i) makes resistance to social changes in a system..
- Week 9Module 4: Group Dynamics and Problems of Rural Society
Unit 1: Concept and Stages of Group Development · 3 hours
Read Unit 1: Concept of group dynamics, Theories and Stages of group development. Define the term group dynamics.. Explain the theories and stages of group development.. Describe the internal dynamics of group.. Explain the external dynamics of group.. Enumerate the factors affecting dynamics among group.. Identify the ways of fostering participation in groups..
- Week 10Module 4: Group Dynamics and Problems of Rural Society
Unit 2: Types of Group Structure · 3 hours
Read Unit 2: Types of Groups, Group Structure, Group Norms, Group Cohesiveness. Distinguish between types of groups in a social system.. Explain group structure..
- Week 11Module 4: Group Dynamics and Problems of Rural Society
Unit 3: Differences between Rural and Urban Settlement · 3 hours
Read Unit 3: Demographics, Land Area and Usage, Population Density, Transportation, Economy. Identify the differences between rural society and urban society.. Explain the concepts of rural-urban linkage.. Identify major problems of rural society.. Enumerate factors that create rural poverty..
- Week 12Module 4: Group Dynamics and Problems of Rural Society
Unit 4: Characteristics of Rural and Urban Settlement · 3 hours
Read Unit 4: Illiteracy, Traditionalism, Isolationism, Agricultural Economy, Economy and Social Factors, Diversity, Administration, Civic Activism, Social Tension. Explain the characteristics of rural settlement.. Explain the characteristics of urban settlement..
- Week 13Module 4: Group Dynamics and Problems of Rural Society
Unit 5: Rural Poverty · 3 hours
Read Unit 5: How rural poverty is created, Policies for reducing rural poverty, Solution to the problem of rural society. Explain the factors that influence rural poverty.. Mention policies for reducing poverty.. Explain solution strategies for rural poverty..
Preparing for the exam
- Create concept maps linking General Sociology Theories (Module 1) to Social Change Theories (Module 2).
- Focus on the key differences between rural and urban settlements (Module 4, Units 3 & 4), and their implications for social dynamics.
- Practice applying the theories of social change (Module 2) to real-world case studies of rural development projects.
- Review the factors contributing to rural poverty (Module 4, Unit 5) and the policies aimed at reducing it.
- Prepare detailed notes on the different types of culture (Module 4, Unit 6) and their impact on social behavior.
- Allocate study time evenly across all modules, but prioritize areas where you feel less confident.
Questions students ask about this course
What is ARD506 about?
This course on Advanced Rural Sociology explores the cultural and social factors affecting rural populations. It examines social theories, social change, group dynamics, and the problems facing rural societies. The course differentiates between social conditions and personal problems, providing insights into sociological paradigms. It emphasizes the importance of understanding rural social structures and the impact of change agents. The course aims to equip learners with the knowledge to address practical problems in rural communities.
How many units does ARD506 have?
ARD506, Advanced Rural Sociology, has 14 units across 4 modules, over 100 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is ARD506?
ARD506 carries 2 credit units, at 500 level in Agricultural Sciences.
Is ARD506 hard?
ARD506 is rated intermediate level, with basic mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does ARD506 take to study?
About 40 hours of study, spread across its 14 units.
How is ARD506 assessed?
ARD506 is assessed by Assignments, Tutor Marked Assessments and Final Examination.
What can I do with ARD506?
Rural Development Officer, Social Worker, Community Development Coordinator, Agricultural Extension Agent and Sociologist.